Melpomene - 3x5 Afghan Kilim Rug

Our Handmade Luxury Rugs: Masterfully handcrafted (click to see video) in the heart of Afghanistan, each rug is a testament to generations of artistry and dedication. The process begins with premium hand-spun Afghan wool, dyed using time-honored methods, with vibrant hues derived from sustainable and natural sources such as pomegranate peels, madder root, and indigo. These dyed fibers are then carefully woven by skilled artisans, knot by knot, to create intricate designs—each rug requiring weeks, months, or sometimes years of focused craftsmanship, with up to hundreds of thousands of tightly-woven knots in a single piece.

Once the knotting is complete, the rug is removed from the loom and meticulously washed multiple times. This washing process softens the fibers, enhances the texture, and balances the vibrancy of the colors, sometimes with a subtle, timeless fade. Next, the rug’s fringes are expertly braided by hand, while the edges are bound and stitched meticulously to ensure long-lasting durability.

To perfect the finish, the backside of the rug is lightly burned—a traditional technique used to remove stray fibers and stabilize the foundation. The rug is then laid out under the open sky to dry naturally, allowing the sunlight to enhance its colors. Finally, it is sheared with precision to achieve an even pile height, resulting in a smooth, luxurious texture.

Every detail reflects the expertise and care of our artisans, resulting in a rug that is as beautiful as it is enduring.

Our Jewelry: Each piece of our jewellery is handcrafted in partnership with Turquoise Mountain, an organization revitalizing Afghanistan’s centuries-old craft traditions. In the heart of Kabul’s Old City, artisans train through an intensive multi-year program where they master historic Afghan techniques — from hand-cutting delicate shabakari latticework to carving gemstones using ancient lapidary methods.

Working with lapis lazuli, turquoise, chrysocolla, malachite, and other stones sourced from Afghanistan’s historic mines, these jewellers shape, carve, and set each element entirely by hand. Many techniques — like metal cutout work and fine stone inlay — have been refined across generations, passed from master artisans to emerging talent.

These designs are brought to life in small independent workshops supported by Turquoise Mountain, where jewellers receive training, tools, product-development support, and fair income opportunities. The result is jewellery that carries not only extraordinary craftsmanship, but the resilience, heritage, and creative spirit of Afghanistan’s artisan communities

As featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Tracy Smith, each rug from The Rug Mine tells a story of tradition and artisanal craftsmanship. Discover why our rugs caught the nation’s eye and continue to inspire every home they grace.

Click Here to Watch the Segment

Caring for Your Heirloom

Taking care of your beautiful Afghan rug is simpler than you might think—here’s how:

Vacuum Regularly: Give your wool rug a nice little workout every other week—it's naturally dust repellant, but it still loves the attention. Just tuck those fringes under (so they don't get a bad haircut) and give it a good vacuuming according to your usual schedule.

Spot Clean: Mix mild soap and baking soda in room temperature water for spills. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and then dab, dab, dab away at the stain—like you're giving it tiny little kisses—until the stain comes out. Let it air dry and voilà!

Stubborn Stains: If a stain just won't quit, it's time to call in the pros! Reach out to a reputable local professional handmade rug cleaner—they'll handle it like a champ.

For more details, check out our Ownership Guides.

Rug Pads

Visit our page on choosing the right rug pad, created in partnership with Rug Pad USA, by clicking here.

Cutting Your Rug Pad

For the best fit, provide Rug Pad USA (or the vendor of your choice) with the exact dimensions of your rug, but subtract an amount depending on the type of rug:

• Area Rugs or any other type of rug or runner rugs with fringes: Subtract 2-3 inches from both the length and the width. For example, if the rug measures 10'6" x 14'2", provide dimensions of 10'4" x 14'0".
• Berber Bazaar Collection Rugs: Wait until you receive your rug. Measure the length from end to end (excluding the fringes) and subtract 2-3 inches from both the length and the width.

If you're unsure about the dimensions to provide for your rug pad, feel free to contact us. We're happy to assist you in determining the correct measurements.

Additional Tips:

Handmade rugs are not perfectly symmetrical. Once you lay the rug on the rug pad, you may notice a little extra padding showing on one side. If this happens:

1. Trim the excess padding with scissors.
2. Alternatively, tuck the extra padding under furniture for a seamless look.

By following these steps, you ensure a tailored fit that protects your rug while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

To view full policies: Shipping and Returns.

Shipping

Bespoke Rug Orders:
Each “Bespoke" rug from the Bespoke Artisan Collection is crafted from scratch—an exclusive work of art made just for you. See lead times in the description, as true craftsmanship takes time.

All Other Orders:

• United States: Free shipping—processing times: 1-5 days; delivery: 1-5 business days from shipment date.
• International: Tiered shipping prices, delivery in 2-7 business days.

Returns

• Policy: Return within 7 days of delivery. For example—if your rug is delivered on December 1, you’ll have until December 7 to return or exchange it—just in case it’s not quite the perfect match you were hoping for.
• Free Returns: Available only if exchanging for a rug of equal or greater value (one exchange only). Applies to U.S. Domestic orders only.